Warning: Yellow
To expect: Rain
Affected areas: South West England, Wales
Start time estimate: Friday 2am
End time estimate: Saturday 9am
The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain warning for South West England and Wales for Friday and Saturday. All local areas affected are listed below.
Persistent rain is forecast to batter the regions, arriving across the areas on Friday at around 2am and continuing until Saturday 9am.
The Yellow alert for rain was issued at 10:46am on Thursday, January 22.
A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese national weather service IPMA, will bring spells of heavy rain and strong winds across parts of southwest England and south Wales during Friday before easing on Saturday morning. An initial band of rain early Friday could bring a further 10-20 mm of rain in places in a few hours, with this falling on already saturated ground. A drier interlude is expected before further bands of locally heavy rain and showers push north into the area through the afternoon, evening and overnight. A further 15-20 mm of rain is expected to fall widely across the region by Saturday morning, with 30-40 mm possible in places. Given the saturated nature of the ground, this is likely to lead to some flooding. This second period of rain will be accompanied by strong winds and coastal gales, along with some very large waves. Gusts are widely expected to be 45-50 mph inland and up to 60 mph near coasts, with winds peaking during Friday evening before gradually easing overnight and into Saturday morning.”
What to expect
Some short term loss of power and other services is possible; Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport expected; Some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer; Some short term loss of power and other services; Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves; A few homes and businesses flooded, with spray and flooding on roads.
What should you do during intense showers?
Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
Full list of local areas affected
South West England
Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Isles of Scilly, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, Torbay
Wales
Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan
What is a yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for rain will remain in place until 9am on Saturday.